If you’ve been an online seller for a while, you know the hustle. The late nights, the constant tweaking of your listings, the never-ending chase for more traffic.
You’re probably thinking, "There’s got to be a faster way to grow."
Well, there is, and it’s probably not as feasible as you think. It’s buying a business.
Yes, you read that right! If you want to grow your wealth faster and level up your game, you need to start thinking about business acquisition.
I know, I know. Buying a business might sound like something only the big dogs like Warren Buffett or Elon Musk do. But the truth is, it's a strategy that even the most down-to-earth entrepreneurs are using, and it could be your next big move.
Let’s talk about why this might just be the smartest decision you’ll ever make as an online seller.
Why Build When You Can Buy?
There’s a reason some of the world’s most successful tycoons swear by acquisitions. Take Warren Buffett, for example. He said that "the best way to achieve wealth is to buy a good business at the right price."
It’s not just about the money—it’s about speed. Building a business from scratch takes time. You need to create products, build your audience, and figure out marketing strategies, which is exhausting and time-consuming.
But when you buy a business, you skip the grueling startup phase and jump straight into an established operation.
Think about it. Instead of spending years trying to build a brand, you can purchase a business that already has customers, revenue, and systems in place.
Take Elon Musk’s acquisition of SolarCity, for example. He didn’t start it from scratch; he bought it, integrated it into Tesla, and used it to grow Tesla’s ecosystem. That’s synergy at its best!
In fact, a 2021 survey by Deloitte found that 61% of companies were planning to increase acquisition activity because it’s seen as the fastest route to growth.
It's All About Scaling Faster
Scaling is the name of the game, especially for online sellers like you. When you acquire a business, you instantly tap into a new customer base, different products, and sometimes even new markets.
Let’s say you’re selling home décor on Etsy and you’ve got a solid business going. Now, imagine if you bought a similar business that sells handmade furniture or unique wall art.
Suddenly, you’re no longer just a home décor seller—you’ve expanded into new product categories without having to create a single new product from scratch. That’s scaling without the grind!
Mark Cuban, who’s built his empire through smart acquisitions, explains it best: "The only way you can truly control your destiny in business is through acquisition... it provides access to customers, markets, and technologies that you simply can't build quickly enough from scratch."
And he’s right. Building is slow, but buying is fast, and in the world of e-commerce, speed matters.
Buy Smarter, Not Harder
Now, you might be wondering, "Isn’t buying a business expensive?" Not necessarily! One of the best things about buying businesses, especially online businesses, is that there are opportunities at all price points.
Sites like Flippa, Empire Flippers, and Shopify Exchange make it easy to find businesses in various niches and price ranges. From blogs and affiliate websites to e-commerce stores and SaaS platforms, there’s something for every budget.
Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, talks about how acquiring businesses is a faster way to wealth because "you’re tapping into something that’s already working."
That’s the key here: when you buy, you’re investing in something that’s already generating cash flow. And that cash flow can help you pay off the investment faster than you think.
Plus, some sellers offer financing options, so you don’t have to come up with 100% of the purchase price upfront. Talk about working smarter, not harder!
Mitigate Your Risks
Every business comes with risk, whether you’re starting one or buying one. But the beauty of acquisitions is that the risk is often lower than starting from scratch.
Why? Because you can look at the business’s financial history, customer reviews, and traffic data before making your decision. You’re buying something that has proven success, which means less guesswork and fewer surprises.
Let’s take a look at Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group. He has built a global empire through acquisitions, and he’s said, "Acquiring a business can be the best way to get the skillsets, technologies, or access to markets that you don’t have but need."
What Branson is saying is that when you buy a business, you’re not just getting products—you’re also getting access to expertise, a customer base, and a functioning system that already works. That minimizes your risk compared to building something from scratch.
So How Do You Buy a Business?
There's a lot to consider. First, figure out why you're buying it—whether it’s to grow your current brand or start something new.
Make sure it aligns with what you're passionate about. Then, dive into the financials. You need to know the revenue, profit margins, and costs to make sure the business is performing well.
Check the traffic—where is it coming from? Organic traffic is ideal, while heavy reliance on paid ads can increase costs. A loyal customer base is a huge plus. And don’t forget the business model. Some are more hands-on than others, so be clear about what you’re willing to take on.
Businesses with multiple revenue streams are more stable, which is something you want.
Look for growth potential. Can you add new products or reach new markets? If the business has untapped opportunities, you could take it to the next level. Also, research the industry—make sure it’s on the rise, not declining.
Consider the workload. Can you manage the day-to-day operations? If not, look into outsourcing or automating. Check supplier relationships too—are they reliable? Strong relationships are key.
On the legal side, make sure there are no hidden issues like disputes or compliance problems.
Lastly, ask why the owner is selling. Sometimes it’s personal, but other times there could be issues you need to be aware of.
In short, buying an online business can fast-track your success, but only if you do your homework. Make sure everything checks out before you dive in.
The Future is Bright—And Fast
One of the most exciting things about acquiring a business is the potential for future growth. Once you own it, the sky’s the limit. You can scale it, merge it with your current business, or even flip it for a profit down the road.
Many savvy entrepreneurs buy businesses, grow them, and sell them for a much higher price within a few years. It’s like house-flipping, but for businesses.
And with online businesses, the possibilities are endless. You can add new product lines, enter new markets, or optimize the operations to make them more efficient.
If you buy a business that already has a strong online presence, imagine what you can do by improving the SEO, tweaking the marketing, or adding better customer service. The opportunities to grow are practically endless.
Ready to Make Your Move?
So, why should your goal as an online seller be to buy a business? Simple. It’s the fastest way to grow your wealth, scale your operation, and reduce the risks that come with starting from scratch.
Whether you’re looking to expand your product offerings, enter new markets, or simply make more money, business acquisition is a powerful strategy that will help you achieve those goals quicker than you ever thought possible.
The real question is: are you ready to make your move? As Warren Buffett says, "Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble."
Let’s go for that bucket, shall we?